The Annexation Conference at Sydney.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4653, 3 December 1883, Page 2

The Annexation Conference at Sydney.

[Reuteu's Telegeams.] Sydney, Saturday. The report of the subcommittee of Premiers, covering the series of resolutions on the subject of annexation, was laid oa the table of the Conference this morning, but the discussion of the report was deferred until Monday. The Conference to-day has been discussing the question of the constitution of the Federal Council. [Received December 3,11.3Q a.m.] i Sydney, This day. The following is the report of the, subcommittee of Premiers, as amended by the Convention on Saturday, and which will probably be adopted to-day :—lst. In the opinion of the Convention a further acquisition of, or dominion by, any foreign power, or any islands in the \ Western Pacific, would be highly detrimental to the future safety and prosperity of British dependencies in Australasia, I and injurious to the interests of the whole British Empire. 2nd, Having regard to the geographical position of New guinea, the rapid extension of British trade and enterprise in Torres Straits, certainly points out that New Guinea will shortly be inhabited by many adventurous British subjects and others, and in view of the inadequacy of existing laws regulating their relations with natives, the Convention—while recognising the responsibility ot extending the boundaries of the British Empire—is emphatically of opinion that such steps should be taken immediately, so as most conveniently and effectually to secure incorporation with the British Empire of so much of New Guinea as is not claimed by Holland. 3rd. Although th,e understanding arrived at in 1878

between Great Britain and France, re» cognising the dependence of the New Hebrides, precludes the Convention from making any recommendation respecting those islands, the Convention urges that ifc is extremely desirable that such understanding be embodied in a definite and permanent engagement, with a view to secure these islands against foreign domination. The Convention also trusts that Her Majesty's Government will avail themselves of any opportunity of negotiating with the Freuch Government, with the object of securing the control of the New Hebrides in the interest of Australasia. 4th. All Governments represented at the Convention undertake to submit and recommend to their respective Parliaments measures such ( ■;; may be Pessary for defraying, in proportion to J • .pulation, such share of the cost of I | carrying out the foregoing resolutions as Her Majesty's Government will require, 5 th. The Convention protests in the strongest manner against the declared intention of the Fr.ench Government to transport a large number of relapsed criminals to French possessions in the Pacific, and urges Her Majesty's Government to employ every means to prevent the adoption of measures so disastrous to the interests of Australasia. 6th. The Convention expresses its confident hope that no penal settlement for the reception of European criminals will continue to long exist in the Pacific, and invites Her Majesty's Government to make to the French Government such serious representations as are deemed expedient. 7th. That these resolutions be communicated to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, for submission to Her Majesty's royal consideration of such action as is thought proper, with a view to effect the earnest desire of Her loyal subjects in Australasia. . Mr Griffith, Premier of Queensland, tabki a series of resolutions on the subject of the institution of a Federal Coun» cil. It transpired that at Saturday's meeting of the Conference, Messrs Stuait and Service spoke in favor of limited action in regard to a Federal Council, with a view to establish the necessary machinery. It is probable tbat a committee will be appointed to draft final resolutions. All the delegates made an excursion to j Clontarf, down the harbor on Saturday, at the invitation of the Chembor of Commerce. Mr Service in a sp-echonthe occasion, said that the Convention was making satisfactory progress.